While Victorian’s would be horrified to know of the high kill rates in our pounds and shelters, the body overseeing the Code of Practice they operate under doesn’t appear that concerned.

In the first revision to the Code since 1998, the Bureau of Animal Welfare has introduced new restrictions that would make the work of organisations trying to rehome animals harder.

Fireworks and thunderstorms often result in an influx of frightened runaway dogs being impounded. Instead of killing healthy dogs to make space for them, some organisations use foster carers. The proposed code bans the use of foster care for this and any other grounds not listed in the Code.

The authors of this draft don’t seem overly concerned about whether cats and dogs get out alive, as long as they’re comfy while impounded. This is completely at odds with community expectations but appears to be consistent with the definition of animal welfare the Bureau chooses to put on its homepage:

This draft of the Code unfairly limits our alternatives to killing and does precious little to increase reclaim or rehome rates. It simply doesn’t reflect community attitudes towards companion animals.

Mike Bailey

+Mike Bailey founded GoodForDogs.org to help raise the profile of dogs and cats needing a second chance. The project started as an online Animal Shelter Map to make it easier for potential adopters to find these animals. Over the next year this journey has led Mike to a Puppy Farm, Victorian Parliament, Washington DC as well as many shelters around the country. He created StopTheClock, a campaign to abolish Victoria's 28 Day Rule for shelters. Mike is currently working on websites to help people find shelter dogs for sale in Perth and Melbourne